Advice Re. Wayward Lurcher

[revitt5758]

We`ve had our rescued Saluki x Greyhound for 4 months now. He`s about 18 months old. He`s WONDERFUL in the house, with people and when out on a lead, but off lead he becomes a different animal. He will not come to us when whistled or called, and tempting him with food is no good as he simply isn`t interested, no matter what`s on offer. Neither is he interested in squeaky toys or balls. We can recall him successfully at home and in the garden, so we know that he understands what`s required of him. We let him off lead for a good run around when there are no other dogs or livestock about, and he will eventually become exhausted and wait to have his lead put back on. If another dog appears on the scene unexpectedly, he`s off in hot pursuit. This is perfectly normal behaviour for a young dog. The problem is that he sometimes shows aggression and wants to dominate certain dogs. If a dog growls or barks at him, he comes scuttling back to us. If it`s a young dog, then he towers above it, he growls in the most ferocious way and strikes out at the dog with his front paws, causing it to yelp in terror. He snarls but doesn`t seem to bite. What a nightmare.There are some dogs he will happily run round with. We also have a 10 year old lurcher bitch who`s a dream, and we thought she would be a good influence on him, but no. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[kris]

ive been reading a lot on this site recently (it was posted on k9)and theres loads of good advice on here.

http://www.canis.no/rugaas/questions.php

 

[revitt5758]

Thanks Kris. Very useful advice.

 

[FeeFee]

I'm afraid that for the moment I wouldn't be letting him offlead. He's learned that he can ignore you, and every time he gets away with it is reinforcing that behaviour. He also sounds as though he's bullying other dogs, which really isn't acceptable.

For the moment I'd suggest a long lead (a lunge line as used to school horses works well), so he can't ignore you as you can reel him in when you call him, and get some help from a good trainer or behaviourist. I'm not sure where are, but I know a couple of people - one in the Midlands and one in the London area - who specialise in lurcher behaviour and could give good advice on this sort of problem, PM me if you want details.

A good training class where he gets used to 'working' with other dogs around can also help, and is great for general socialisation. If he's not neutered that might also help calm him and take the edge off his behaviour.

LOTS of short training sessions at home, even just going through basic sits, downs, waits, heel etc all help to establish control and will tire him out almost as much as free running. Don't give him anything - fuss, food, treats - without making him 'earn' it by doing a sit or a down or something first. It all helps to show you are in charge. Clicker training is great for this.

Loads of luck with him, I suspect he's a very bright dog who will do well if you can find the right buttons to push!

 

[revitt5758]

Thanks. It makes sense. I`m just concerned that if he`s always on his lead around other dogs, it may exacerbate his aggression, as dogs on a lead tend to be on the defensive. I do agree, the bullying is totally unacceptable. I hope that time will make him mellow.